Our goal: train 50 rural women in the livelihood of beekeeping. Each woman trained manages about 5 hives each- the average hive contains 50,000 bees- for a whopping total potential of cultivating more than 12 million bees! By teaching hands-on beekeeping skills and honey harvesting, women entrepreneurs generate income and are incentivized to raise more bee colonies. We supply the women with hives, equipment and starter colonies- everything they need to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Bees have been selected as the #1 most important species on the planet to protect- they are responsible for the pollination and growth of up to 80% of plants worldwide that we eat. Their populations are under threat due to human development, but we have a solution- raise more honeybees through beekeeping. Habitats are far healthier and sequester (soak up and hold) more carbon when plants are abundant. When we help local bee populations to flourish, food security and healthier ecosystems follow.
While helping to protect local ecosystems, training rural women in beekeeping empowers them to earn a lucrative primary or secondary income. Beekeeping and producing honey are minimally time-demanding, enabling women to do the work required alongside their other daily obligations, such as farming and housekeeping. Increasing bee populations help pollinate local crops; as many trainees are also farmers, they're incentivized to keep bees thriving long-term. Bees, women and the environment benefit.
We aim to maximize bee populations for generations to come, thereby protecting ecosystems. More resilient ecosystems are able to resist the effects of Climate Change. Enhanced gender equity is proven to occur in rural villages when women are given more educational and entrepreneurial opportunities. Long-term, women, their children and entire families will enjoy greater security and a higher quality of life, advocating sustainable land stewardship within their communities.
